[OOC:] Shawn, I know you closed out your post from a few weeks past with Dirnhael heading out from the camp, after saying goodbye to Nain, and going to look for Patrel, but I am going to alter this slightly for continuity. Cool?
To keep our story in line:
Day 1, morning - Galudir rode from the River Cross and rides the whole day; Dirnhael and friends are escorted to the merchant ring for safety; that night Fengel and Durgil go to scout the Easterling camp. They find Gléowyn and rescue her, taking the rest of the night to secret themselves back into the city.
Day 2, early morning - Dirnhael and Nain go to Falin's forge; morning arrival of Fengel and Durgil with Gléowyn back into the merchant camp, Edrahil sets about aiding her; in the evening of this day Galudir arrives and tells Thuidmar of the Sagath position; evening Dirnhael and Nain return to find Fengel and Durgil there, but Nain announces his departure to the rest of the Company; Dirnhael advises of Patrel.
Day 3, Thuidmar musters and starts first day of marching forth; Nain departs; other companions aren't to this time yet.
Day 4, day two of Thuidmar's march; again other companions aren't to this time yet.
Day 5, day three of Thuidmar's march - he finds the field on which he will meet the forces of Harizan; again other companions aren't to this time yet.
Dirnhael and Nain entered the merchant camp, as the sun settled in the western sky. Both were excited to see the safe return of their friends and the success of their mission. Fengel's sister had slept the better part of the day, after Edrahil had tended to her minor wounds, and even now the Éothraim was hesitant to go and disturb her.
The Company were in great spirits with their success thus far, happy for Fengel in the return of his kin. But soon the mood was lessened by the news of Nain's departure. The craftsman would be rolling out with the Dwarven travelers in the morning.
As the friends sat about the fire, eating some food, but still being discreet, Gléowyn came from one of the covered wagons. She looked better. Her hair and body had been washed and she had found a comb. Fengel rose to greet her and he saw that the smile she gave him never made it to her eyes. The warrior made a silent vow of retribution.
Edrahil broke the silence as the companions looked at the woman, "Gléowyn, how do you feel?"
She nodded, "I am rested."
The Sindar knew that that was probably the best that she could feel after her ordeal, but he continued, "These are some companions you have not yet met... this is Dirnhael, knight of Arthedain, and our Dwarven friend Nain, craftsman extraordinaire."
The young woman nodded a greeting at both. Dirnhael could see she was a lovely woman, with many features of her brother, but on her was a great sadness that he hoped time could heal.
"Such a pleasure to meet you, m'lady," Dirnhael said with a slight bow. "We have been bent upon finding you even before we knew you were gone. I could not be more pleased to see you in health."
He clasped Fengel's shoulders and shook him happily, and nodded to Durgil to commend a dangerous job well done.
"I am seeking the Captain of the Guard, Patrel. Secrecy will no longer avail us - time runs too short. I would suggest we make ready to move, regardless of the response from the Men of Ilanin."
He looked over to Gleowyn with a smirk. "We'll need another horse."
Durgil stepped forward. "I dare say Rochithuin would bear the lady until we found a suitable steed. I'll go into town myself to find another." It only made sense that he do so as he was the one with the coin purse and reputation. The companions wouldn't be Ilanin for much longer so it was a calculated risk. When Durgil, too, looked upon the proud Eothraim woman, he saw the strength and the sadness, the pain of loss and torture. To him, so alike were Gleowyn and his sister in bearing, yet, fortunately, she had not known the degradation and humiliation that Gleowyn had endured for so long. He could not help his heart go out to her.
"What is your plan Dirnhael? I will not leave the rest of my kin to suffer the fate of the last captives we saw. I say as the easterlings begin to move out we should attack those that remain, and end their occupation of Ilanin."
Quote from: Palandil on Feb 08, 2008, 02:45 AM
"What is your plan Dirnhael? I will not leave the rest of my kin to suffer the fate of the last captives we saw. I say as the easterlings begin to move out we should attack those that remain, and end their occupation of Ilanin."
"I had thought of that; they will likely have an unprotected flank, and we could pick off small numbers as they depart. But we also must rendezvous with Thermon, who should have reached your people's army by now. We must muster what strength we can from Ilanin and ride."
OOC: I didn't make what Fengel was saying clear. When we had drove Koskas and his small contingent off they had brutally killed what captives they had. So Fengel feels that they would do the same to his kin here in Ilanin.
Quote from: Palandil on Feb 08, 2008, 12:49 PM
OOC: I didn't make what Fengel was saying clear. When we had drove Koskas and his small contingent off they had brutally killed what captives they had. So Fengel feels that they would do the same to his kin here in Ilanin.
OOC: Ah. Gotcha.
"There are only four of us, my friend," Dirnhael said with a frown. He meant no disrespect to Gleowyn, but the woman had been through an ordeal, and did not yet look hale enough to wield a blade in battle.
"Perhaps if enough of the guard might be swayed, we might have a chance, but their lord has already forbidden it. We will have to recruit men, not soldiers - and we will have to do so quickly."
Fengel stood, "Then let us go then and find this Patrel."
[OOC:] It is currently sun down of Day 2 on the chart above... were you guys interested in going out at night to look for Patrel, or were you going to wait until morning of Day 3?
Quote from: tomcat on Feb 14, 2008, 06:44 AM
[OOC:] It is currently sun down of Day 2 on the chart above... were you guys interested in going out at night to look for Patrel, or were you going to wait until morning of Day 3?
OOC: Let's go now. A longer wait grants more time for the Easterlings to mobilize, and the cover of night is our ally when fomenting an insurrection. ;)
OOC: I'm with you
OOC: Ditto
[OOC:] Cool - new post to come with the morning. Just got the Star Trek stuff typed but very tired here! Until the morning, goodnight. |)
It took a bit of reassuring before Gléowyn would relent to her brother's departure. Fear and distrust still gripped her and there was no face around that was known to her, save for Fengel. He stood close and consoled his sister as the other companions prepared themselves. Not far away, Nain stood along with his new entourage and the Dwarf swore that no ill would befall the Éothraim woman. Edrahil also had enacted one of his spells to give Gléowyn the means to call for aid if it were needed.
She stood beside Fengel, and though she was just under his height, she seemed to be smaller and withdrawn. Looking at her brother she spoke, "Beware him Fengel... and his filthy second that does most of his dirty work. Fell magics surround them. But know this... he is poisoned. I poisoned Harizän with the venom of an adder." Gléowyn raised her hands and her broken fingernails were sharp in places, "I dipped my fingers into the poison and when he came for me I scratched it into his skin. I do not know if it was enough to kill him..."
Fengel looked at her in surprise from her confession, as her words haltingly faded. At the same moment, Dirnhael came up to the duo. He and the others were ready having only girded themselves with necessities for the night's search.
Quote from: tomcat on Feb 19, 2008, 05:58 PM
Fengel looked at her in surprise from her confession, as her words haltingly faded. At the same moment, Dirnhael came up to the duo. He and the others were ready having only girded themselves with necessities for the night's search.
"My lady," Dirnhael said with a nod of his head before turning to Fengel. "It is time. We have but one or two nights before we must leave if we are to join Thermon for the battle to come. We must muster whatever strength this village has left and ride."
Dirnhael noticed as Fengel's eyes rarely left his sister. "I know, my friend," he said quietly, so only Fengel could hear. "You shall have your chance at revenge. And I swear to you, his wolf will not escape my blade a second time."
Then he laughed, an odd sound in such morose company. "That is, assuming we don't miss the party!"
Dirnhael sauntered off to find out what Durgil had learned.
Fengel followed Dirnhael, still thinking about what Gleowyn had said.
OOC: I didn't realize I went somewhere. If Durgil had gone anywhere, it was to inquire about a horse for Gleowyn, other than that, join his comrades in search of Patrel.
Quote from: GandalfOfBorg on Feb 25, 2008, 07:46 PM
OOC: I didn't realize I went somewhere. If Durgil had gone anywhere, it was to inquire about a horse for Gleowyn, other than that, join his comrades in search of Patrel.
OOC: I was under the impression that Durgil was getting a horse at the moment, but if not, I'm sure we can tweak things to fit...
[OOC:] Sorry gents... I keep saying that don't I?
Well, it is truly just because I have had my head so deep in the Star Trek game below, that I have trouble making the jump back and forth. Because of that I feel/think the story becomes weak when my mind is not 100% in it.
But that is no excuse. You guys come here to play, dammit! Not to get excuses. So, let's play! ;)
The quartet finalized their personal preparations and slipped out of the merchant camp. Each limited themselves to their weapons and armor; this was to be a hunting trip, not another journey - at least not for now.
They hastily crossed the fields that separated the visiting merchant enclaves, with the town proper. The goal for the evening was to locate one of the commanders of the local militia named Patrel, and attempt to recruit him into aiding them against the Sagath threat. With most of the wagons across the river, the Easterling host would soon be marching west to sack the lands of the Éothraim.
The sun had already set and the companions moved through that moment of twilight when the world was cloaked in grey, just before the dark covers all. A wind had begun to blow up out of the south and with it came dark clouds. Lightning flashed across the southern night sky. Edrahil and his friends knew that the rain would soon follow.
One thing that had been bothering the Elf since the return of Fengel and Durgil, with the Éothraim's sister, was the relative quiet coming from across the river. The two men had recounted how they had slain a number of guards to get within the camp, and then stole away with one of the apparent prize women of Harizän's stable. The Sindar did not care to use such terms when it came to addressing another person, especially a lady, but it was evident that Gléowyn had been prized, otherwise she would have been amongst the others that were tied to posts in the paddock.
Because she was so prized, why no retaliation from the Easterling barbarian? Why no display of power for the stealthy intrusion of his camp and the slaying of some of his people?
The mage made his thoughts known to his friends, "Fengel... why do you think we have seen no sign of outrage from the Sagath for your incursion last eve? What do you believe they are planning?"
As the quartet continued their path into the town, in another part of the small city, a group of masked men soaked unlit torches in a small barrel of oil. Once they had thoroughly saturated each brand, they gathered for one more word from their leader.
"Remember," said the man from behind the black cloth that draped his face, leaving only his eyes to be seen. "We light our torches only when we approach the wagons. Once lit, each of you are to run into the midst of the group and toss your burden onto anything that will burn. Those of you that are carrying the oil pails, you splash everything you can. We torch bearers will then make sure that the night is lit up!"
Those around him nodded, "Once done, you disperse into the night and find your way back here as discreetly as you can."
Quote from: tomcat on Feb 28, 2008, 07:46 PM
"Remember," said the man from behind the black cloth that draped his face, leaving only his eyes to be seen. "We light our torches only when we approach the wagons. Once lit, each of you are to run into the midst of the group and toss your burden onto anything that will burn. Those of you that are carrying the oil pails, you splash everything you can. We torch bearers will then make sure that the night is lit up!"
Those around him nodded, "Once done, you disperse into the night and find your way back here as discreetly as you can."
OOC: That's probably not good. :(
Fengel hadn't really thought much about that. And now he began to fear that they might be planning something. "I was so glad to see Gleowyn that I really didn't think about that. Do you sense any of the fell magic or creatures that are in Harizan's company?" He grabbed Dirnhael by the shoulder, "We should hurry as much as we can."
"I have no doubt they know who did it, but either Harizan hasn't been informed or he's just biding his time. There is probably a special surprise planned just for us. Vigiliance from here out, my friends."
The companions entered into the town again as rain began to fall. It took very little time before their outer cloaks were sodden and each was uncomfortable from the clinging of their clothes. The streets of Ilanin were quickly emptying as folk rushed to find shelter from the weather and settled in for the night. Darkness fell quickly due to the inclimate weather, and the Company were only able to find their way by the glow of windows. On occassions, they would pass by other shadowy forms - either townsfolk or a passing sentry - and a grunt of acknowledgment was the only cordiallity they received.
All was quiet... even from the Sagath who seemed to have ended the task of moving wains over the river.
[OOC:] Actions and / or Dialogue? What do you guys want to do?
OOC: I suppose it's time to ask one of these sentries if Patrel's on duty... or at the drinkery. ;)
OOC: Agreed.
Durgil saunters over to one of the sentries. "Fine night, my good man, a fine night. I've got a silver penny for you and your lads to drink to your health if you can tell me which inn the breeder of the finest horses might dine this eve?"
Quote from: GandalfOfBorg on Mar 04, 2008, 06:44 PM
Durgil saunters over to one of the sentries. "Fine night, my good man, a fine night. I've got a silver penny for you and your lads to drink to your health if you can tell me which inn the breeder of the finest horses might dine this eve?"
OOC: Is Durgil doing his thing while Dirnhael and Fengel are in another part of town searching for Patrel? Whatever's good - just getting it straight in my head. :)
OOC: I'm with you guys.
Quote from: GandalfOfBorg on Mar 05, 2008, 07:17 PM
OOC: I'm with you guys.
OOC: Sounds good.
While Durgil diplomatically pressed the flesh for Gleowyn's steed, Dirnhael intended to ensure that he and Fengel used their more - well, less, really - refined method of discussion. The two warriors, drawn to their full height, begin to ask the constables for Patrel, requesting his immediate attention. Now, with the possibility of retribution at hand, Dirnhael intended to impress the need for urgency upon those that he talked to.
The sentry first looked at Durgil, who held forth the silver penny, "Your pardon sir, but it would be unfair for me to take your coin. I can only tell you that the merchant 'vans that come into town, well the horse breeders are usually in the north camp. To be honest though, they tend to come in the fall... after a summer of strenghening their beasts." He then looked to Dirnhael, "As for Patrel, he is off-duty and you'd most likely find him at the Flo. That's where he likes to take his bit of ale."
With nods the two sentries began to continue on their way, "You may want to find some shelter yourselves... weather looks to be getting worse before it'll be better. Rivers gotta rise before it can come back down, as my pap used to say."
The companions watched as the guards moved off, each wondering if the man's quote held any sense, and then they too continued on their way. Durgil knew of the Ebb and Flo's location down by the river and so led the way.
[OOC:] Do you all head to the Flo? Let me know...
OOC: Aye! To the Flo!
Quote from: tomcat on Mar 07, 2008, 05:28 AM
[OOC:] Do you all head to the Flo? Let me know...
OOC: Dirnhael most definitely will - immediately.
"Ah, 'tis well-earned.. thank you for the information. This will serve you well at the end of the shift I dare say."
The sentry smiled a big toothy grin, which he had done little to take care of, and took the coin. "I bids you good eve sirs!"
With that the companions began to walk towards the Ebb and Flo - the small tavern and inn near the river by the docks, in the more seedy area of town. They passed more dark shapes under sodden cloaks, as they went, until they finally made the turn south and could see the warm lights of the Flo.
That was not the only thing that caught their attention.
Outside the inn was a small crowd of people, gathered in what appeared to be a circle. As the Company approached, they began to hear over the rain the hoots and hollers and angry curses of the onlookers - some folk were even exchanging bids.
Inside the circle, two large men brawled. One man was surely having a worse time of it, for even in the meager light, it could be seen his nose was smashed and blood was coursing down over his lower face. Both men appeared to be inebriated as they staggered around each other, jockeying for the chance to land the winning blow. Edrahil shook his head in wonder at such people. The Sindar would never truly understand Men, or Dwarves for that matter, and their crude methods.
Beyond the crowd, the door to the inn stood open and Flo, the owner of the establishment stood under its eaves keeping dry, but very intrigued by the fights outcome.
Durgil smiled to himself thinking that bars, inns, and taverns don't change much between realms except the language or dialect. He follows his elf companion into the comfort of the indoors.
Ignoring the fight, the Company stepped into the doorway of the Ebb and Flo. Durgil smiled at the rotund hostess that stood between him and his goal of the common room.
"More of ya soft-witted men come to drink from my barrels?" asked Flo as she looked at the young Dúnadan. "The lot of ya should get on home to your women and your beds... it'd be the better for ya!"
Giving up, Flo turned to around to let the companions in from the rain. She mumbled to herself as she returned to her bar, "There's no stoppin' 'em."
The Flo's common room was smaller than that of the River Cross and much less clean. There was sawdust piled on the floor to soak up the spilt beverages and fragments of broken crocks, food, and unknowns littered the wood shavings. A fire burned in the hearth and gave both warmth and light to the room. Around them, a few shadowy figures sat - some in groups, some to themselves. The conversation of the room was quite subdued... that is until Flo called out to her new patrons.
"What will you have gents? And please don't start any quarrels in me room! I don't want me bouncers to have to haul out some more!"
Dirnhael ordered nothing from the barkeep, instead looking for a central place to sit down and attempt to eavesdrop on the clientèle; hoping that Patrel's identity would be revealed.
Fengel was feeling pressed for time and thought he'd just come out with their need. He turned eye to eye with the woman, "We haven't much time and are needing to speak with Patrel. We're told this is where he comes most evenings."
Durgil chuckles. "Good woman, if we had beds with wives in them, we wouldn't be very good husbands right now, would we?"
When she asks about their fare, "A bit o' crusty bread, cheese, a slab of mutton, and a mug of the good stuff to wash it down."
Flo smiled back at the handsome young Dúnadan, "No wife back at home, eh?" She gave him a wink, "It'll be just a moment on that plate of food, love."
It was then that Fengel made his statement. The quiet folk in the room all turned to look at the warrior and one old timer spoke around his pipe, "Ay, ya might find him here most nights, but not the now. He's not been here this night."
Flo had even stopped in her task of preparing a platter for Durgil, "Yea, Patrel's not been 'round this eve... not sure where he is."
Suddenly a commotion was heard outside the bar. Voices were growing louder than the brawl's noise and a tall, bald man came running into the room. "FLO! COME QUICK! YA GOTTA SEE THIS!"
The man's urgency got everyone's attention and the whole common room quickly exited into the night. A bright glow could be seen on the western horizon.
"Someone set 'em afire!" yelled one voice.
"There's trouble to pay fer this!" said another.
"The whole lot is burnin'!" cried out yet another.
Dirnhael could not discern what it was exactly that burned, but it was not in the town proper... that meant a wagon caravan. He looked to Fengel and saw the same worried face, but then came a whispered swear, "The Sagath will raze the town."
With those words, the Éothraim's fears for his sister's safety was relieved. The companions looked again at each other and then each put the glow in relation to where they were and where the Easterling wains had been drawn up outside of town. Someone had set them ablaze.
"Patrel," Dirnhael almost whispered. It appeared they had an ally, all right - but a rash one.
"Quickly! Get to your homes," he shouted in the pub. "Protect your families, for the Sagath will exact swift revenge."
If there was one silver lining to this dark cloud, it was that every man-at-arms in the city would soon be ready for battle... and Dirnhael feared that they'd be needed.
"Perhaps our stand will not be made among Fengel's people, after all," Dirnhael said. "T'would seem that we are fated to make it here."
He made his way through the crowd toward the door of the pub. They needed to make ready - and Dirnhael bared his teeth as he thought of a second chance at the beast Koskas.
He vowed that one of them would never leave the cursed town of Ilanin.
[OOC:] Nice post Shawn!
I will have more story to follow here soon... wanna get more character posts in first.
"It's seems, Lady Flo, that I will be taking this on the road with me." He pays his tab and downs his mug, finishing it with a satisfied "Ahhhhh! Likely the last one I have for awhile and it was worth it." He adjusts himself, paying heed to the weapons at his side and making sure they were ready. "Shall we meet their response on foot or horseback or both?"
Quote from: sdrotar on Mar 16, 2008, 07:13 PM
"Patrel," Dirnhael almost whispered. It appeared they had an ally, all right - but a rash one.
"Quickly! Get to your homes," he shouted in the pub. "Protect your families, for the Sagath will exact swift revenge."
If there was one silver lining to this dark cloud, it was that every man-at-arms in the city would soon be ready for battle... and Dirnhael feared that they'd be needed.
"Perhaps our stand will not be made among Fengel's people, after all," Dirnhael said. "T'would seem that we are fated to make it here."
He made his way through the crowd toward the door of the pub. They needed to make ready - and Dirnhael bared his teeth as he thought of a second chance at the beast Koskas.
He vowed that one of them would never leave the cursed town of Ilanin.
Fengel's worried look disappeared as a smug smile formed on his lips. "I'd rather end it here and now anyway, enough of this waiting. And so it seems that some of Ilanin feel the same." Fengel finished his words, his thoughts and expression turning to Hariazan and vengeance. As the two stood looking at the distant fire, the warm glow shown across their faces revealing their thoughts.